Morrison Campground

For Pennsylvania locals with a spirit of adventure and a desire to truly disconnect, Morrison Campground in the Allegheny National Forest offers a unique and decidedly rustic camping experience. Situated near Bradford, PA, this isn't your typical drive-up campground with full amenities. Instead, Morrison Campground is a "boat access campground," meaning it's primarily reached by water via the Allegheny Reservoir, or for the intrepid, by hiking the Morrison Hiking Trail. This accessibility feature immediately sets it apart, promising a more secluded and immersive encounter with Pennsylvania's natural wilderness.

Morrison Campground is nestled on the east bank of the Allegheny Reservoir, just east of Elijah Run Boat Launch, within Morrison Bay, a branch off Kinzua Bay. This prime location places campers in the heart of one of Pennsylvania's most beautiful and vast natural areas. It's a place where the sounds of nature prevail, and the sense of being truly "away from it all" is palpable. Reviews from real customers highlight this adventurous spirit, with one camper noting, "A great campground if you want a little adventure. I kayaked from elijah boat launch to site 3." This hands-on approach to reaching your campsite adds to the reward of your stay.

It's crucial for prospective campers to understand the primitive nature of Morrison Campground. As one detailed review clearly states, "NO FRESH WATER AT CAMPGROUND! All spigots have been removed." This means campers must "Bring water and everything you need," or be prepared to treat or filter water from natural sources like Morrison Run, which "can be had at the head water... but it's probably going to require a boat ride to get there." This level of self-sufficiency is a hallmark of the Morrison experience and appeals to those who prefer a less developed camping environment.

Despite its rustic nature, the campground offers "Numerous nice, level sites," although many can be occupied, especially during busier times. Campers often discover "gems under a big maple tree that provided wonderful shade on the hot day," underscoring the natural beauty of the individual sites. The campground is described as "very spread out," with "overgrown trails crisscrossing between sites," which contributes to a sense of privacy and exploration, even within the campground itself.

While gathering firewood can be a challenge—"Scrounging for firewood is severely slim pickings" and it can be "really damp"—the core experience of being immersed in the Allegheny National Forest, accessible by water, and embracing a more primitive style of camping, makes Morrison Campground a truly unique and memorable destination for adventurous Pennsylvania locals.

Morrison Campground is located in the Allegheny National Forest, near Bradford, PA 16701, USA. More specifically, it is situated on the east bank of the Allegheny Reservoir, just east of Elijah Run Boat Launch on Morrison Bay, a branch off Kinzua Bay. This location is deep within the vast and scenic Allegheny National Forest, a jewel in Pennsylvania's outdoor crown.

The defining characteristic of Morrison Campground's accessibility is that it is primarily a "boat access campground." This means the most common way to reach the 38 single campsites is by boat via the Allegheny Reservoir. The closest and most common boat launch point is Elijah Run Boat Launch, located directly west of the campground. Elijah Run is accessible from the Longhouse National Scenic Byway (Forest Road 262). A daily launching fee of $5.00 per vehicle is charged at Elijah Run Boat Launch, or an annual pass for $55.00 is available, with fees collected from April 1 to October 31. This method of access provides an immediate sense of adventure and seclusion.

Alternatively, for those seeking a more rigorous journey, the campground is also accessible via the Morrison Hiking Trail. This trail can be a substantial undertaking, with some portions being described as challenging, muddy, and steep. One reviewer mentioned a "3 hours hike from nearest car parking" to reach a campsite, indicating a significant trek for hikers. This dual accessibility, while emphasizing the remote nature of the campground, caters to different levels of outdoor enthusiasts.

For Pennsylvania locals, reaching Bradford and then the Allegheny National Forest is generally straightforward via major state routes. However, the subsequent boat or long hike to the campground requires specific planning and equipment, distinguishing it from typical roadside campgrounds. This intentional barrier to entry helps preserve the campground's rustic character and appeal for those truly seeking a wilderness experience within Pennsylvania.

Morrison Campground, being a rustic and primarily boat-accessible site within the Allegheny National Forest, offers a very basic set of services focused on providing essential camping infrastructure rather than extensive amenities. This aligns with its adventurous and primitive nature:

• Designated Campsites: There are 38 single campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted.
• Fire Rings & Grills: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring for campfires and a grill for cooking. Campfires are permitted as long as they are maintained within the ring and fully extinguished.
• Picnic Tables: Each site includes a picnic table for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Vault Toilets: Non-flushing vault toilets are available on-site. Reviews indicate these are often "hidden" and may require searching.
• Firewood (Self-Sourced): While there is firewood available, campers are advised that they "do have to look for it" and that "Scrounging for firewood is severely slim pickings." It is often damp, requiring drying before use.
• Waste Disposal: Campers are generally expected to follow "Leave No Trace" principles, packing out what they pack in.
• Self-Pay Station: Fees are paid via a self-service pay station at the campground, typically requiring cash or check. Campers can also potentially pay using the Recreation.gov mobile app's Scan and Pay feature where available.

Crucially, it is explicitly stated that "NO FRESH WATER AT CAMPGROUND! All spigots have been removed. Potable water is not available at this site. Water can be treated or filtered from nearby water sources." Campers must bring their own water or have a reliable filtration/treatment system. There are also no boat docks at boat-to areas.

Morrison Campground's unique features and highlights cater specifically to those seeking a more adventurous and primitive camping experience in Pennsylvania:

• Boat-In Access: Primarily accessible by boat via the Allegheny Reservoir (from Elijah Run Boat Launch), offering a unique and scenic approach to your campsite and a sense of true seclusion.
• Secluded & Rustic Environment: Provides a genuine wilderness experience, away from crowds and modern conveniences, emphasizing natural tranquility.
• Allegheny National Forest Immersion: Located deep within the vast Allegheny National Forest, offering unparalleled opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing (including bears and bald eagles), and immersing oneself in the forest's beauty.
• Allegheny Reservoir Access: Direct access to the large Allegheny Reservoir for boating (motorized or non-motorized), fishing (bass, walleye, trout), and swimming.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: The no-reservation policy allows for spontaneous trips for those who are flexible.
• Spacious & Spread-Out Sites: Campsites are described as "nice, level sites" and "very spread out," offering a good degree of privacy.
• Hiking Opportunities: Directly accessible via the Morrison Hiking Trail, offering short day hikes or longer backpacking loops for experienced hikers.
• Affordable Camping: A modest daily fee of $12.00 per site makes it an economical choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

As a rustic, first-come, first-served campground managed by the USDA Forest Service (Allegheny National Forest), Morrison Campground typically does not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Its pricing structure is straightforward and designed for accessibility to public lands:

• Daily Fee: The single site fee is $12.00 per night.
• Interagency Recreation Passes: Honored for fee sites, which may admit the pass holder and up to 3 additional people (for a maximum of 4 people). Information on these passes is available at store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes.
• Payment Method: Campers are required to pay with cash or check at the self-service pay station. The Recreation.gov mobile app with the Scan and Pay feature may also be an option if cellular service allows.

There are no known seasonal discounts, package deals, or other advertised promotions. The value of Morrison Campground lies in its unique, primitive experience and its relatively low cost for access to a beautiful natural area.

For more information about Morrison Campground, its operational status, or general inquiries about the Allegheny National Forest, please use the following contact details, keeping in mind that direct contact with the campground itself is generally not available due to its remote nature:

Address: Located within Allegheny National Forest, near Bradford, PA 16701, USA (Specific physical address is not applicable for a boat/hike-in site).

For general inquiries about the Allegheny National Forest, you can contact the Bradford Ranger District Office:

Address: 29 Forest Service Dr., Bradford, PA 16701

Phone: (814) 362-4613

Email: sm.fs.anf@usda.gov

For operations and maintenance inquiries, you might also contact Allegheny Site Management, who operates the site:

Phone: (814) 363-9090

Email: ecpalleghenysite@gmail.com

It's always recommended to check the official USDA Forest Service Allegheny National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/allegheny) for the most up-to-date alerts, conditions, and information before planning your trip, especially concerning water availability and accessibility.

For Pennsylvania locals, Morrison Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity for a genuine wilderness escape, particularly appealing to those who cherish rustic camping and outdoor adventure. Its primary suitability stems from its unique, remote access: predominantly by boat via the stunning Allegheny Reservoir, or for the truly committed, by a challenging hike. This "barrier to entry" ensures a more secluded and tranquil experience, allowing Pennsylvanians to truly disconnect from the demands of modern life and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of their state's natural landscapes.

Situated within the vast Allegheny National Forest, Morrison Campground serves as an ideal base for exploring one of Pennsylvania's most significant natural treasures. Locals can indulge in a myriad of outdoor activities right from their campsite, including fishing for trout and bass in the reservoir, engaging in various forms of boating, and embarking on extensive hiking or backpacking journeys through the scenic forest trails. The opportunity to observe diverse wildlife, from deer and turkey to bald eagles and even bears, adds another layer of excitement and connection to nature that is deeply valued by Pennsylvania outdoor enthusiasts.

While the absence of potable water and the need for self-sufficiency might deter some, these very aspects are what draw adventurous locals who are equipped and eager for a more authentic and less commercialized camping trip. The first-come, first-served site availability also provides flexibility for spontaneous adventures. For Pennsylvanians seeking an affordable, immersive, and truly adventurous camping experience that highlights the rugged beauty and vast recreational opportunities of the Allegheny National Forest, Morrison Campground is an exceptional and highly recommended destination.

Morrison Campground

Bradford, PA 16701, USA